摘要
BACKGROUND: Few comprehensive reviews on the pa- thogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases have been presented to the present. This article was to re- view the pathogenesis and treatment of HCV-related liver diseases. DATA SOURCES: Data presented here are mostly taken from Japanese studies. RESULTS: HCV infection is characterized by persistent in- flammation of the liver and frequent development of hepa- tocellular carcinoma (HCC) in most cases. These charac- teristic evidences could be explained by immunological al- terations and oxidative stress in the hepatocyte caused by HCV infection. Interferon (IFN) treatment is carried out, at present, not only for the elimination of infected HCV for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, but also for both the prevention of HCC and the treatment of advanced HCC with chemotherapy. The treatment for oxidative stress is al- so important for non-responders to IFN. CONCLUSION: It is important to understand the pathoge- nesis of HCV-related liver diseases for a successful treat- ment.
BACKGROUND: Few comprehensive reviews on the pa- thogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases have been presented to the present. This article was to re- view the pathogenesis and treatment of HCV-related liver diseases. DATA SOURCES: Data presented here are mostly taken from Japanese studies. RESULTS: HCV infection is characterized by persistent in- flammation of the liver and frequent development of hepa- tocellular carcinoma (HCC) in most cases. These charac- teristic evidences could be explained by immunological al- terations and oxidative stress in the hepatocyte caused by HCV infection. Interferon (IFN) treatment is carried out, at present, not only for the elimination of infected HCV for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, but also for both the prevention of HCC and the treatment of advanced HCC with chemotherapy. The treatment for oxidative stress is al- so important for non-responders to IFN. CONCLUSION: It is important to understand the pathoge- nesis of HCV-related liver diseases for a successful treat- ment.